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The record sentences for both McDonald and his fellow assassin Raymond Anderson were later cut to 30 years on appeal but today his lawyer told Judge Lady Stacey there continues to be “difficulty” accepting how long he will spend behind bars.

That did not stop McDonald receiving another jail-term as he was sentenced to two years and 10 months for assault and being concerned in the supply of heroin.

The killer showed no emotion as he was taken handcuffed back to the cells.

Prosecutor Duncan McPhie said McDonald was found with the drugs during a “morning check” by guards on April 21.

James McDonald (Image: Strathclyde Police/PA Wire)

Raymond Anderson Snr. (Image: Strathclyde Police/PA Wire)

A total of 28 wraps of heroin were found in his cell as well as a “large pile” of the substance on top of a calendar.

The court heard the haul had a potential “prison value” of up to £5,000.

McDonald remained at HMP Edinburgh and later assaulted guard Stephen Myatt on June 16.

The killer got into a row with other prisoners and headbutted the officer when he attempted to split them up.

Mr McPhie: “He was restrained and moved to the segregation unit. While there, he apologised for the assault.”

Lady Stacey today noted McDonald how had racked up further convictions since being jailed for life. This included the nine years added to his sentence last December for the attempted murder of another prisoner.

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His advocate Frances Connor told the judge: “He has a significant tariff to the life sentence.

“As a result, there has been real difficulties coming to terms with the length of the sentence.

“He has become a target from others within the prison system.

“He accepts that things do become hopeless for him on occasion, but that there really is no option but getting on with it.”

McDonald is now in Glenochil jail.

McDonald also stood accused today of assaulting Raymond Cartwright – another killer – in HMP Edinburgh as well as hitting Eric Fiddler with a guitar. A further allegation claimed he illegally had a mobile phone. But, prosecutors accepted not guilty pleas to those charges.